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Evans demanded $2m, got $420,000 before releasing my husband – Witness

Published

4 years ago

December 18, 2021

A businesswoman, Mrs Chimebere Ahamonu, has narrated to an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos State, how she raised a ransom of $420,000 for the release of her husband, Mr Sylvanus Ahamon, allegedly abducted by a suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike aka Evans.

Sylvanus was reportedly kidnapped on June 23, 2014 on Kara Road, off Osolo Way, Ajao Estate.

Chimebere, who gave her testimony via Zoom on Friday during the continuation of the trial of Evans and a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army, Victor Aduba, said she had spoken to her husband in the morning of the fateful day, but did not sense anything amiss until evening when Sylvanus’ phone rang out.

She said, “Then, I was not living in Lagos, I was in Onitsha. I started calling everyone we knew that I did not hear from him. A week later, a man called my line with a hidden number (and said) that my husband was kidnapped. Another week later, the same man called me and demanded $2m for his release. I shouted because I have never seen that kind of money before. I started calling family and well wishers for help.”

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Chimebere said the same man called her after another week, demanding the ransom but she pleaded she could only raise N5m, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

“He said that I was not serious and that if I do not come up with the $2m, I am not ready to see my husband alive. He said even if it is $100,000 I should bring it,” she said.

The businesswoman said that she sold property, sought donations from family and friends and managed to raise $200,000 which she sent to her brother-in-law, Dominic, for onward payment to the caller.

She said she received a phone call a week later and the caller demanded more money, warning her not to send Dominic to deliver any ransom because he had reported them to the police.

Chimebere said she raised another $200,000 and came to Lagos to drop the ransom alongside a relation at an agreed spot.

She added, “After dropping the $200,000, he called me again to demand some more money. I told him I have no more money and that people were even calling me a scam because of the way I was appealing for funds. I managed to raise another $20,000 and it was after that my husband was released.”

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Following her evidence, the prosecutor announced that the state would be closing its case against Evans and Aduba.

In his testimony, Sylvanus told the court how he was allegedly kidnapped, tortured and made to pay $420,000 ransom by Evans and his gang members.

When he was asked to identify Evans, who was standing in the dock alongside Aduba, he said, “I know him; that is Evans.”

He, however, was unable to identify Aduba.

Ahamonu said he was returning to his residence from work in his car when his driver was waylaid by about three men in police and military uniforms, who claimed to be men of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

He said, “Evans came into my car brandishing an AK-47 rifle. He was wearing three-quarter jean trousers. I saw his face, he cannot deny it. The men in army and police uniforms were beating me. They said I was wanted by SARS.

“Their bus was parked close by and they took me into the bus, put me on the floor and covered my head. They placed their feet on my head throughout the trip. After about two or three hours, they transferred me to a Sienna car and took me to a building where they handcuffed my hands and legs and began interrogating me about my personal life and business.”

NAN reports that Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the case until February 4, 2022, for continuation of trial.

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Bauchi Reduces Working Hours for Civil Servants During Ramadan

Published

48 minutes ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauch State Governor, Bala Mohammed

Bauchi Reduces Working Hours for Civil Servants During Ramadan

The Bauchi State Government has announced a reduction in working hours for civil servants during the holy month of Ramadan, aimed at accommodating fasting schedules and religious observances.

A statement issued by the State Head of Service, Dr. Yusuf Gidado, directed all civil service offices to adjust their working hours from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm throughout the month. The adjustment applies to both permanent and contract staff across all ministries, departments, and agencies.

Dr. Gidado urged civil servants to use the shortened working hours productively, maintain high performance, and continue delivering efficient public services to residents.

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The government noted that the decision was part of its commitment to supporting employees during religious observances, ensuring they can fulfill both spiritual and professional duties without undue strain.

Officials also reminded staff to adhere to workplace regulations and maintain discipline despite the adjusted schedule, emphasizing that public service continuity remains a priority.

This move follows similar initiatives by other states in Nigeria that seek to balance work efficiency with religious observance during Ramadan.

Bauchi Reduces Working Hours for Civil Servants During Ramadan

metro

E‑Transmission Alone Cannot Guarantee Free, Fair Elections – Shehu Sani

Published

1 hour ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani

E‑Transmission Alone Cannot Guarantee Free, Fair Elections – Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has warned that electronic transmission (e‑transmission) of election results cannot, by itself, ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria, stressing the need for strong institutions, political will, and proper enforcement of electoral laws.

Sani made the remarks during an appearance on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, where he reacted to the recent amendment of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly. Under the amendment, the Senate approved e‑transmission of results, while retaining manual collation as a backup system, a compromise that has generated widespread public debate.

According to Sani, while e‑transmission technology can improve transparency and accountability, it is not a panacea for electoral malpractice.

“Electronic transfer does not mean that we’re going to have 100% free and fair elections. There is no electoral system that those who intend to rig would not be able to circumvent. Now you have manual voting and electronic transfer of results,” Sani explained.

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He argued that the real determinant of credible elections is the intent and integrity of those managing the process. When authorities are genuinely committed to fairness, elections are credible. However, where manipulation is intended, loopholes will always be exploited.

Sani also highlighted vote-buying and voter inducement as major challenges. He noted that, despite laws against such practices, authorities lack the manpower to monitor every community effectively.

“You can have laws everywhere that voters should not be induced with money or material gifts, they will still do that, and we don’t have the manpower to ensure compliance in every nook and cranny,” he said.

The former lawmaker stressed that meaningful electoral reform must go beyond technology, including:

Political will from leaders to respect electoral outcomes
Strict enforcement of electoral laws
Independent and well-resourced institutions like INEC
Robust voter education and civic engagement

Experts and civil society groups have echoed Sani’s concerns, emphasizing that structural weaknesses, political interference, and poor electoral management remain major obstacles. While e‑transmission can enhance result integrity, it must be part of a comprehensive reform framework addressing all stages of the electoral process — from voter registration to result collation.

Sani’s remarks come amid national discussions on electoral reform and building public trust in Nigeria’s elections, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

E‑Transmission Alone Cannot Guarantee Free, Fair Elections – Shehu Sani

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Trump’s Executive Order Halts US Aid, 250,000 Lives Affected in Yobe

Published

7 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

U.S President Donald Trump

Trump’s Executive Order Halts US Aid, 250,000 Lives Affected in Yobe

The Yobe State Government has revealed that more than 250,000 people in the conflict‑affected north‑east have been severely impacted by the United States’ funding cuts, following an Executive stop‑work order signed by President Donald Trump in 2025. Authorities warn that the withdrawal of support has disrupted essential humanitarian operations, including food security, healthcare, protection services, and education.

Dr Muhammad Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), disclosed the figures during a breakfast show, describing the situation as “deeply concerning” for vulnerable communities. He explained that the United States had been the largest and most consistent donor for over a decade, supporting life-saving assistance in the BAY states — Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

According to Goje, the suspension of US aid has forced humanitarian agencies to consolidate operations, compete for limited resources, or withdraw entirely. Among the affected are approximately 13,000 out-of-school children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and other vulnerable populations dependent on healthcare, nutrition, and protection services.

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In 2024, Nigeria’s Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requested US$926.5 million to assist 4.4 million people. About US$556 million was received, with the United States contributing roughly US$316 million, representing 57% of total humanitarian funding — making it the single largest donor. The sudden suspension has therefore created a major funding gap, threatening the continuity of critical programmes.

Dr Goje highlighted that food assistance, previously supporting 65,000 households monthly, has been curtailed following the aid freeze, with over 650 metric tons of food distributed each month by the World Food Programme (WFP) now unavailable. Across the north-east, more than 2,500 humanitarian workers have lost their jobs due to the funding cut, affecting thousands of dependent family members.

Authorities say the state government has begun implementing measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact, including mobilising local resources, improving coordination among agencies, and seeking alternative funding streams. However, officials acknowledge that domestic efforts cannot fully replace international aid, especially amid rising food insecurity, displacement, and health crises in the region.

Experts warn that the suspension of US support comes amid broader global aid reductions, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Without renewed international assistance, millions of people across north-east Nigeria could face severe hunger, malnutrition, and lack of essential services, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.